New NHS England data shows thousands of dementia patients are missing out on drugs that could help them manage symptoms and stay independent for longer, with prescribing rates varying dramatically depending on where patients live. The Alzheimer's Society has described the "widespread variation" as alarming and "particularly shocking", given that the NICE-recommended treatments are known to bring real benefits, and is calling on the government to guarantee diagnosis, care planning and treatment within 18 weeks of referral.

Nationally, only around a quarter of people diagnosed with dementia were prescribed an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor such as donepezil, rivastigmine or galantamine, 23 per cent received memantine, and just 6.1 per cent were prescribed both. Regional gaps are stark: AChEI prescribing ranged from 11.7 per cent in Somerset to 31.1 per cent in Lincolnshire, memantine prescribing ranged from 9.7 per cent in Birmingham and Solihull to 35.4 per cent in Gloucestershire, and combination treatment ranged from 1.2 per cent in Somerset to 10.5 per cent in North East and North Cumbria — meaning patients there are almost nine times more likely to receive combined treatment than those in Somerset. The data does not fully explain the disparity, though the Alzheimer's Society says a lack of investment and prioritisation of dementia care is likely a factor.